The northern parts of the country of Jordan are a historical and archaeological treasure, with multiple sites of cultural and historical significance located within a short distance of one another.

On a day trip to Ajloun from Amman, you will step back in time as you visit the 12th-century fortress of Ajloun Castle and the ancient city of Jerash, best known for its impressive Greco-Roman ruins.

Here's all you need to know about Ajloun, one of the most fascinating day trips from Amman.

How to get to Ajloun from Amman?

Ajloun is a hilly town, located roughly 76 kilometers north-west of Amman.

From Amman to Ajloun by car

A road trip from Amman to Ajloun takes around an hour and a half along Route 35. You can also book a private vehicle with a driver to transport you to Ajloun if you prefer not to drive yourself.

Private tour to Ajloun from Amman

Private tours are the best way to tour northern Jordan and typically include visits to both Jerash and Ajloun.

Tours with a private vehicle and driver are the most common type of day tour, and your itinerary may also include other attractions and sites. You may have a guide accompany you, or you may be able to book a guided tour with an on-site guide.

Tours typically last between six and twelve hours, although there are also multi-day trips including Ajloun in their itinerary. Round trip hotel transfers are included in all types of tour.

How much does the entrance ticket to Ajloun cost?

It costs roughly US$5 per person to enter Ajloun Castle and tickets can be purchased at the ticket office.

The cost of entry is usually included in the price of guided tours.

The Roman ruins at Jerash cost US$15 per person which includes entrance to the archaeological museum.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a typical day trip to Ajloun and Jerash, you are collected by your driver-guide at your hotel in central Amman. You will travel north to Jerash, where you will explore the ancient ruins of one of the Roman Empire’s wealthiest cities.

You can opt to wander the ruins on your own, or hire the services of one of the local guides for a tour.

From Jerash, the tour continues to Ajloun Castle, located on the top of Mount ‘Auf where you will be rewarded with magnificent views across the Jordan Valley.

Some tours include the cost of lunch in the tour, but you will otherwise have time to enjoy a meal at an additional cost.

After a day exploring northern Jordan, you will be driven back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Certain tours also include a visit to the ancient ruins of Gadara and an archaeological museum at Umm Qais.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Ajloun?

Tours of varying lengths are available to go to Ajloun. Tours typically include both Ajloun and Jerash in the itinerary and can include other destinations including Umm Qais and the Dead Sea.

Private tour to Ajloun and Jerash from Amman

Beginning with a pickup from your Amman hotel, you will travel in a private vehicle with a driver-guide.

The tour starts with a visit to the ruins at Jerash before heading to Ajloun, where the 12th-century fortress located on Mount ‘Auf offers spectacular panoramic views of the Jordan Valley.

With time to explore and enjoy lunch along the route, the tour ends back in Amman in the late afternoon.

Private tour to Ajloun and Jerash plus Umm Qais from Amman

Private tours to Ajloun, Jerash and Umm Qais follow a similar itinerary to tours excluding Umm Qais, beginning with a pickup from your Amman hotel, you will travel in a private vehicle with a driver-guide.

The tour starts with a visit to the ruins at Jerash before heading to Ajloun, where the 12th-century fortress located on Mount ‘Auf offers spectacular panoramic views of the Jordan Valley.

With time to explore and enjoy lunch along the route, the tour ends back in Amman in the late afternoon.

Multi-day tours including Ajloun from Amman

A multi-day tour to the northern region of Jordan typically begins with collection from the airport or your Amman hotel.

Your party of up to 15 people will be driven by an experienced driver for the duration of your tour that may last from 2 to 5 days.

Sites like Jerash, Ajloun, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea are typically included on multi-day trips. The number of destinations visited will depend on the duration of the tour.

How much does a day trip to Ajloun from Amman cost?

A private tour to Ajloun and Jerash from Amman can cost from US$120 per person for a full day experience.

Some tours include a driver and guide, while others provide a driver and allow you to retain the services of the on-site guides.

Private tours to Ajloun and Jerash plus Umm Qais from Amman start from US$100 for a 5 to 6-hour trip with a private vehicle and driver.

Tours that include a guide cost from US$200 for a full day excursion.

Multi-day tours including Ajloun from Amman cost from US$250 per person sharing for a 2-day tour.

A five day excursion can cost up to US$600 per person sharing. Entry fees, local on-site guides and lunch are generally not included.

What will you see and do?

Ajloun Castle is a 12th-century fortress built upon the site of an old monastery. Along with the impressive castle ruins, you will also enjoy unimpeded views of the Jordan Valley.

The Roman ruins at Jerash are among the best preserved Roman outposts worldwide. Temples, theaters, baths and colonnaded streets have all been painstakingly revealed during archaeological excavations.

Umm Qais is the location of the ruins of the city of Gadara. These Roman ruins have a picturesque hilltop location and theaters, tombs, terrace and Ottoman Village are among the sights to be seen.

On longer tours, Wadi Rum, Petra and the Dead Sea are other attractions that may be visited.

What are the opening times?

Ajloun Castle is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, except on Fridays. The castle may close a little earlier during the winter months.

Except for Fridays, the site at Jerash is open from 8 AM to 8 PM in the summer, but closes at 4 PM during the winter. Friday opening hours at both Ajloun and Jerash are from 9 AM to 4 PM.

During the month of Ramadan, opening hours are from 8 AM to 3 PM.

When is the best time to visit Ajloun?

Spring and autumn are the best time of year to visit Ajloun or elsewhere in Jordan. Summer temperatures can peak above 40 degrees Celsius making it challenging for visitors unaccustomed to the heat.

Travel tips

Carry bottled drinking water.
Apply sunscreen with a high protection factor and wear a hat while outdoors.
Wear closed and comfortable shoes for walking.
Do not photograph people without their permission.

Ajloun: Day Trips and Tours from Amman